The reigning world champions, Australia, are poised to tour England for the first time in over two decades in 2025, following intense late negotiations about relocating the next Ashes series. England and Australia have not faced off in a traditional three-match Ashes series since 2003. The long-awaited return was initially planned for next year, with England set to travel to Australia after last year's confirmation that Shaun Wane's team would tour the country and compete against the Kangaroos. However, the series now appears destined to take place in England instead.
Senior Australian officials have engaged in discussions with the Rugby Football League regarding the revival of a traditional Kangaroos tour in 2025, and these talks are expected to culminate in a positive outcome. This shift means that the three-Test series will be hosted in England, providing a substantial financial boost to the sport in the country. The Ashes has been a regular fixture since the inaugural series between Great Britain and Australia in 1908. Although there was consideration of reviving the Lions brand for next year's series, it will be England, not Great Britain, that will confront the Kangaroos in 2025.
Sources have revealed that one of the three Tests will be held in London, with officials eager to capitalize on what they anticipate will be a series that generates significant momentum, given the extended hiatus since the last Ashes series. Early contenders for the London Test include the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley. This would be followed by one Test in Yorkshire and another in Lancashire, with organizers likely to explore larger venues beyond the traditional club grounds to host the touring Kangaroos in 2025.
Officials are aiming for a swift resolution to the talks to facilitate an early announcement, especially as the international game appears to be experiencing a resurgence after years of relative obscurity. When contacted for comment, Rugby League Commercial stated: "RL Commercial can confirm initial conversations have been held with the ARLC about the possibility of an historic Ashes series being played in England in 2025. We are excited by the possibility of bringing the Kangaroos to these shores for a three-match series for the first time in over 20 years, and we are starting work on the feasibility of such a tour."
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